Online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au has the 16-year-old as equal eighth favourite at $15 in his first Stawell appearance, but punters are staying away.

Off 5.75m, Brandon Galic has been the best backed athlete at $7.00, marginally more popular than race favourite Murray Goodwin (6.5m) at $6.00.

“We opened the two favourites Murray Goodwin and Brandon Galic at $16 but that price didn’t last long. Jack Hale is probably the fastest sprinter in the field, but off just 2.5m against seasoned athletes, punters have their reservations ,” said sportsbet.com.au’s Christian Jantzen.